RSK acquires property services company 3BM Group

RSK has announced the acquisition of 3BM Group, a property services business serving the public and private sector that specialises in project management and consultancy services, architecture, quantity surveying and planning.

3BM Group works across the UK, with regional offices in London and Chelmsford. Clients include the NHS; the Crown Commercial Service; St John’s College, Oxford University; University of Westminster; Farnborough College of Technology; Big Creative Education; the Department for Education; and Westminster City Council.

Recent projects have included the following.

• 2021–ongoing: St John’s College, Oxford. 3BM’s contribution to the project includes architecture, project management and quantity surveying. 3BM led a multi-consultancy bid that sought to develop a long-term masterplan and de-carbonisation proposals. Having completed the masterplan work in early 2022, the company has subsequently been commissioned on a number of further projects, including the full refurbishment of the Grade II listed Sir Thomas White Building, which houses 147 student bedrooms. 3BM is currently embarking on pre-application discussions with Oxford City Council prior to submitting a planning application in 2025. Further commissions include a potential new energy centre and significant fabric upgrade to the college’s existing listed building portfolio.
• 2021–2022: Brooklands College, Surrey. 3BM has supported the project with services including architecture, project management and quantity surveying. As part of its strategic plan, the college’s Weybridge campus will expand significantly by 2024–2025 to meet expected demand and to enhance environmental and operational efficiency. Part funded by housing development, this £45 million project aims to transform the college and enhance facilities for high-demand vocational subjects such as engineering, construction and health and social care while improving environmental sustainability.

3BM Group Managing Director Andy Rennison, who will continue to lead the business, said: “My 3BM and Fusion colleagues, who are gifted and experienced architects, planners, quantity surveyors and project managers, are looking forward to the opportunity to grow and develop the business as part of the RSK Group. We feel our qualities and reputation will support RSK to expand into the education sector, and we look forward to utilising the phenomenal skill set of the RSK Group.”

RSK Group Chief Executive Officer Alan Ryder said: “3BM boasts an impressive project list that showcases its valuable work for local authority clients while also serving those in the further education, higher education, research and independent education sectors. Some of our businesses have already had the opportunity to work with 3BM, and we look forward to adding its knowledge and experience to RSK’s group of businesses.

“In addition to this, 3BM Group is a business that clearly reflects RSK’s values. The company states that it wishes to provide creative, high-quality, sustainable solutions that make a difference for clients and to deliver outcomes, challenge its people, grow its reputation across the sectors in which it operates and become market leaders, and this is clearly aligned with our group’s commitments to our colleagues and clients.”

As RSK continues to deliver its ambitious growth strategy, it now comprises more than 200 companies, employing over 15,000 people. The group’s annual turnover at the end of FY23 was £1.2 billion.

The acquisition advisers to RSK were Memery Crystal and Cortus Advisory Group. The shareholders of 3BM were advised by DTE Corporate Finance and FieldFisher.